RFGA2027-001 Rural AZ Navigator Program

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is the primary state agency responsible for promoting, protecting, and improving the health and wellness of individuals and communities across Arizona. As part of its broader mission, ADHS administers funding aligned with federal initiatives to strengthen healthcare access and address systemic barriers to care. This funding opportunity, the Rural AZ Navigator Program, is supported through the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The RHTP represents a substantial federal investment in Arizona’s rural healthcare infrastructure, with total program funding exceeding 166 million dollars. Through an interagency agreement with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, ADHS is responsible for distributing a portion of these funds via a competitive Request for Grant Applications process. The purpose of the Rural AZ Navigator Program is to establish and implement structured navigation services that help individuals in rural Arizona access healthcare, insurance, and essential social services. The program focuses on improving access to care by guiding individuals through complex systems such as healthcare enrollment, community support networks, and legal or educational services. Key objectives include increasing health insurance enrollment, improving coordination of healthcare and social services, and addressing social determinants of health that affect rural populations. The program also emphasizes reducing barriers related to substance use disorder treatment and chronic disease management, while strengthening collaboration among healthcare providers and community organizations. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support outreach, education, and enrollment initiatives. Grantees are required to submit a detailed budget and work plan outlining how funds will be allocated, including adherence to all funding restrictions specified in the solicitation. Funds must be used strictly for program-related purposes and may be adjusted annually based on performance, audit findings, or changes in federal funding allocations. Approximately 5,350,000 dollars will be available each grant year, with the potential for funding over a five year period, subject to continued availability and satisfactory performance. ADHS reserves the right to partially fund applications or adjust award amounts based on regional needs and program priorities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad but clearly defined. Eligible applicants include community based organizations, community health centers, rural health clinics, hospitals, academic institutions, local government entities serving rural populations, and tribal organizations. Nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status are also eligible. Tribal entities, including tribally operated healthcare facilities and health departments, are strongly encouraged to apply and may receive additional consideration during the evaluation process if they demonstrate meaningful partnerships or culturally responsive program design. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide accurate information, maintain privacy compliance, train staff for complex insurance assistance, and build sustainable partnerships across rural service networks. Private for profit entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal through the RFGA mechanism, including a detailed budget workbook and program narrative outlining implementation strategies. While no formal pre application requirement is mandated, a pre application conference is scheduled to provide guidance and answer applicant questions. Applications open on July 30, 2026, and must be submitted by August 20, 2026. The pre application conference is scheduled for August 7, 2026, and includes virtual participation options. ADHS will review applications based on alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, partnership strength, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes in rural communities. Award decisions are expected to consider both programmatic merit and geographic distribution of services, ensuring that rural populations across Arizona are effectively served. Successful applicants will enter into a multi year funding arrangement with annual reviews of budgets and performance metrics. Continued funding will depend on demonstrated progress, efficient use of funds, and adherence to program objectives. Contact for this funding opportunity is Michelle Fink, Procurement Officer Senior at ADHS, who can be reached via email or phone for additional information. The program represents a significant opportunity for organizations committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes in underserved rural areas of Arizona.

20-40 hours